Everyone welcome Sam Huston!
I am so pleased to have Sam Huston (pronounced like the Texas founding Father) guest writing for Five Things today. The thing about Sam is, I respect the snot out of Sam. Sam is a man of integrity who demonstrates what it looks like to be faithful in things big and small. He is not afraid to be a butthead, but Sam has been a fiercely loyal friend to me, and I confident that Sam (and his wife Makenzie) will be there for me on my best days and my worst. I’m not going to talk about how much Makenzie’s friendship means to me, because I will cry.
I often tell people that when you move to a new city, you need to find a person who will be a spoke of a wheel to you, a person who will connect you to other people. Sam was my first spoke in Kansas City. Through him I met friends, and met some more friends, and kept meeting friends. Sam is an includer, and that’s what we all need.
This is how this issue came to be, as remembered by me, seven months later, with no fact checking:
Sam: Why isn’t there a Five Things for men?
Me: That’s like asking why there aren’t dinosaurs in the Bible, you’re asking the wrong question. It’s my newsletter, I’m not a man. But men get the newsletter. *name drops Jesse Brookins*
My date: I read it, and I don’t think it’s just for women.
Me: Thank you. This is the smartest man I know.
Sam: What about sports?
Nick Hageman: Wait, how do I sign up?
Me: Sometimes I do talk about skin care.
Sam: Or men’s Lululemon pants?
Me: I did talk about those Target pants that I love.
Nick: These pants are Lululemon.
*Digression about Lululemon pants*
Me: Sam, why don’t you guest write next week?
Sam: I’ll write in the fall.
So now, here we are. Having eaten through all the Brookside Poultry leftovers and enjoying Football season. Sam is not on Instagram, but that just means you should follow @HustonandHome. Take it away, Sam.
This sentence now has links to the my instagram, and old issues of the newsletter.
Welcome, Sam!
THIS IS NOT FIVE THINGS THAT ARE NOT NOT FOR GUYS.
FIVE THINGS THAT ARE NOT NOT FOR GIRLS.
I find that Five Things is best consumed in that weird window on Sunday evenings. When the late afternoon NFL games have ended or are wrapping up. 60 minutes is on. You are either way too excited about your fantasy team or way too upset about your fantasy team. As you reheat left overs for dinner and get ready to cheer for literally any points to be scored in the late game. (Rams -6.5 and Over 46.5) This is the Five Things sweet spot. I encourage you not just to read my Five Things but to think of your own five things. We start every week at Freedom Hoops going around the table with something you are thankful for and something that is challenging - I think it is really helpful to hear what others are thankful for and know others face challenges too. My challenge to you is to consider your own five things.
Makenzie’s Husband,
Sam
Number One: Making Coffee in the Morning
So one year I made a goal that I was going to make my bed everyday. And in that year whenever it would come up people would ask "Oh did you read that book?" No, I did not read that book.. and then they would go on to tell me about this book, about how it is good for you mentally and whatever to "accomplish" something to start your day. Look I don't know the science and I definitely did not read the book, but there is something about getting into a morning routine, and getting stuff done in the morning. For me waking up and making the coffee for my wife and I, is one of my favorite things. Having a morning routine where I get up early, have time to grind beans, heat water and make good coffee, leads to reading more and being more productive throughout the day. Plenty of anti-caffeine folks will disagree and thats fine.. they can stick to making their beds.
Number Two: Golfing a ball with your buds
Outside. Moderately active. You will never perfect it. You can do it while drinking beers. You get to compete. Look I am not a "I grew up at a country club" type golfer, I am a "looking to play affordable, bogey golf" type golfer. If you have been looking to start playing golf... one of the best golf weekends of the year is almost here! Ryder Cup Weekend! - because the only thing better than golfing a ball with your buds is a weekend where you get to golf, watch golf, cheer for America to beat the rest of the world at golf, and watch football! Tee times will go quickly - make your Ryder Cup weekend plans now.
Number Three: Bourbon + Twizzlers
I am not here to say this is some profound pairing like a fine wine with cheese or something... thats not me. Wild Turkey 101 with the little bit size Twizzlers. Recently read a biography on Churchill, one of the many things that’s stood out was an observation from the author that WC (and those around him) always lived well. They ate well, they drank well, he enjoyed cigars, champagne, whiskey etc. This is not book club and you do not care about my take on WC but we all know he lived and lead under incredibly difficult circumstances, and dealt with some crazy ups and downs. Yet he found it important to enjoy life. This past year has been the most difficult year of my life. And yet one of my greatest pleasures has been sitting on the back patio with my wife and enjoying bourbon and Twizzlers. She is more of a spicy marg, glass of wine or French 75 type of girl. I encourage you to find the things you enjoy and find the people you want to enjoy them with. Find your Bourbon and Twizzlers.
Number Four: Football Season is Here
It is the season of TVs on card tables in backyards. Remember to actively let your significant other know that you are available on Tuesday nights, Wednesday nights, Fridays and Saturday morning until 11am, as well as any hours that your college team is not playing. Learning to make the most out of these times and sacrifice them will allow you more freedom to watch football games starting at 11am Saturday, All day Sunday, Monday Night, and occasionally Thursday Nights. Also know your teams bye week - it is a great weekend to spend doing all those fall Instagram things she wants to do.
Number Five: “The Manhattan Uniform”
Fall is here. The temps dropped below 50 and a friend sent me this tweet. I felt attacked. And then I realized not only is it Vest with Button Up season but this year we get to wear the "Manhattan Uniform" with joggers, tennis shoes and my titleist hat on backwards. I will see you in December for another edition of "5 things not not for girls" for your winter fashion tips.
Sam’s Recommended Reading:
Book: 7 Men - by Eric Metaxes
Article: Salvador Perez Appreciation
Watch: 9/11 | One Day in America